Here’s the bottom line:

Whether you’re moving across the street or all the way across the country, it’s important to plan strategically for your move.

A moving checklist includes everything from decluttering and packing to budgeting, choosing a mover, and setting up at your new home. We’ve created a comprehensive moving checklist with a timeline and practical resources to streamline your upcoming move.

Moving checklist

✏️ Download our free printable moving checklist

Eight weeks before moving day

It can seem early, but it’s important to start planning your move about two months in advance. During this time, evaluate moving services, compare costs, and consider your budget.

Research moving services

One of the first steps in planning your move is to research the types of moving services available.

Full-service: The best moving companies and best long-distance movers handle loading, unloading, and transportation, but at a higher price point.
DIY: If you’re on a tight budget, moving truck rentals and moving container companies are more affordable, but require you to do the loading, unloading, and, occasionally, the driving.

Get moving estimates

No matter where you’re moving, having a ballpark estimate can help you stay within your budget. While every company’s quoting process is different, our moving cost calculator lets you compare multiple estimates at once and thoroughly assess moving expenses.

Set a moving budget

Here are five simple steps for creating your moving budget:

Estimate costs. Some companies like U-Pack will provide quick quotes online.
List expenses. Common fees include rental trucks and packing materials.
Account for hidden fees. Consider costs like homeowners insurance, security deposits, and fuel.
Anticipate the cost of settling in. You may spend more money on kitchenware, furniture, and takeout before feeling at home.
Track expenses. Use a spreadsheet to keep track of spending and potential tax deductible items.

Other to-do items

Once you’ve researched moving companies, compiled and compared quotes, and created a moving budget, there are a few other tasks to take care of eight weeks before your move:

Research new banks, doctors, and schools
Create a moving binder to keep track of receipts
Protect your move by looking up your rights through the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration
Give your landlord notice
Find a roommate
Explain the move to your kids
Host a garage sale

Six weeks before moving day

Once you’ve researched moving services, compared costs, and set up a budget, here are your next moving prep tasks.

Declutter and organize

You can declutter and organize your belongings with these steps:

Decide what items to keep. Know what you’re not willing to part with and keep track of it.
Decide what items to sell or donate. Track donations for potential tax deductions.
Identify fragile and special items. Note any furniture or antiques that need special attention.
Digitize documents. Shred or scan unnecessary paperwork to save space.
Measure furniture. Determine if you’ll be moving larger or older furniture.

Prep for packing

Now that you’ve decluttered, it’s important to prepare for packing:

Make a packing schedule. Determine how much you’ll pack over the weeks ahead.
Research packing tips. Consider our top moving hacks for efficient packing.
Label boxes. Labeling in advance keeps you organized.

Measure doorways and staircases

Measure doorways and staircases to ensure your furniture will fit into your new home.

Other to-do items

Once you’ve prepared for packing, here are a few other tasks to get done six weeks before your move:

Check moving companies for registered carrier ID numbers to avoid scams
Request time off from work for the move
Notify schools of your move
Choose new schools for kids
Service your vehicle

Four weeks before moving day

Here’s what you need to do one month out from your move.

Choose a mover and confirm your booking

When choosing moving services:

Get at least three written estimates with detailed inventories.
Verify licensing and insurance by checking each mover’s USDOT and MC numbers.
Require an on-site survey to accurately assess what’s being moved.

Start or continue packing

Go back to your packing supplies and refer to your moving schedule. Start packing non-essential items first.

Get your documents in order

Organize your essential documents, including:

Passports
Birth certificates
Financial documents
Moving documents like your contract with a moving company

Set up new service providers

Before moving, set up utilities for your new home, and change your address at the post office.

Two weeks before moving day

At 14 days out, here are your final tasks:

Clear storage units and safe deposit boxes

Clean out any local storage units or deposit boxes you may have.

Return borrowed items

Return items borrowed from friends or family.

Clean up

Deep clean your old home to prepare for the new tenants or owners.

Send out moving announcements

Notify friends and family of your new address via private message or email.

Other to-do items

Prep meals, refill prescriptions, backup your computer, and get a babysitter for moving day.

The week of the move

Finish packing

Pack essentials and disassemble remaining furniture to finalize your move.

Get your home ready for moving day

Prepare your old home for the movers and utility disconnections.

Moving day

Meet, greet, and supervise movers

Welcome your movers, ensure they have the necessary paperwork, and offer them refreshments.

Take inventory of your belongings

Check your inventory list and ensure everything is accounted for once delivered.

Start unpacking

Begin with your essentials box, unpack room by room, and assemble furniture as necessary.

Post-moving day tips

Finish unpacking

Pace yourself and complete unpacking, change locks, and get to know your new neighborhood.

Thank everyone who helped you move

Consider sending a card or small gift to appreciate their help.